Undisputed as one the finest Chicago punk outfits during the 1990s, The Bollweevils were, and still are, defined by their spirited live performances and a song catalogue that demonstrates both their roots and creative ability as a band.
Known for their connection with fans, The Bollweevils began their recording career on Underdog Records, but soon were noticed by Dr. Strange Records. And shortly thereafter, the band released the punk staple “Stick Your Neck Out,” which featured favorites such as, “Dehumanize,” “Bottomless Pit,” and “John Doe.” The album defined The Bollweevils sound, which is laced with high-paced drumming, aggressive guitar and bass workings, and witty and sometimes tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Because of this, The Bollweevils soon garnered one of the largest local audiences and became one of the preeminent bands during the 1990s Midwest punk scene.
During this time, the band began playing more shows throughout the United States and shared the stage with bands that were both influences and contemporaries, including Naked Raygun, Rancid, AFI, Pegboy, Down By Law and Youth Brigade—many of which who later appeared on the band’s album liner notes.
The Bollweevils' second album, The History of the Bollweevils, Part One, collects previously released material from EPs and compilations. 1995's new studio effort Heavyweight boasted a more mature approach, with increasingly complex arrangements and backing vocals. The album concludes not only with a cover of the Bad Brains' "Pay to Cum," but also a 10-minute-plus, audio tour-diary entry.
And although the band went through several lineup changes, The Bollweevils never lost focus on creating an everlasting effect on the Chicago punk scene. Perhaps, one of the best representations of this is their release “Weevil Live.” To see The Bollweevils live is not only an experience, but an assault on the senses and the album surely captures that spirit. The band gels on stage like very few bands can—with Daryl flying around stage and jumping on the audience, Ken and Bob shredding guitars and the fans just eating it all up.
However, like all good things, things had to come to an end and the band officially disbanded in 1996 when they announced, on the legendary Fireside Bowl stage, that they would be playing their last show. To put it simply, fans were not only stunned, but very disappointed as well. At that time, it appeared that The Bollweevils were destined only to become folklore to a new generation of punks.
But in 2003, The Bollweevils reunited for a one-off sold-out show for WLUW at The Metro with a new drummer, Pete. The show, at that time, was considered as the best Bollweevils’ performance to date and whole new generation of Chicago kids were now even more intrigued by the band.
So when the band officially reunited once again in 2006 for Riot Fest, which included Naked Raygun, The Blue Meanies and 7Seconds, there was a resounding “Hell Yes” by the punk community because unlike many bands who have come and gone, The Bollweevils’ music is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. In the upcoming months on 2007, the band plans new releases, more shows and a dedication to its fans that will be rivaled by none.
Utopia
Bollweevils Lyrics
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Where I come from we don't know it. if you live there overthrow it.
Break your utopia. (repeat a lot) well I've seen it in the distance gratifying in an instant.
But a dark cloud is arising to destroy your new horizon.
[Repeat]
Break your utopia.
Everything that we all worked for is all buried in the folklore.
Break your utopia. (you know the drill)
The lyrics of Bollweevils' song "Utopia" convey a rebellious message against a perceived idealistic place where perfection is the norm. The expression "there's a dream place that I've heard of" suggests that the utopian society is an unattainable fantasy. However, the singer implies a sense of alienation as he says "where I come from we don't know it," insinuating that there is a cultural gap separating him from that society. The next line "if you live there overthrow it" indicates a desire to disrupt the utopian order, perhaps because the singer believes that it is oppressive or hypocritical. The repetition of the phrase "break your utopia" highlights the urgency and persistence of this call for action.
The second stanza of the song begins with a positive description of the utopia: "well I've seen it in the distance gratifying in an instant." The use of the word "gratifying" implies that the utopia provides a sense of immediate satisfaction or pleasure, but this is short-lived as "a dark cloud is arising to destroy your new horizon." This line suggests that there are hidden or underlying problems in the utopian society that are about to surface and undermine its stability.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a dream place that I've heard of where perfection is the standard.
There is a place that some people believe exists where everything is perfect and flawless.
Where I come from we don't know it. if you live there overthrow it.
Where I am from, we are not familiar with this place, but if you happen to live there, it is recommended to overthrow it.
Break your utopia. (repeat a lot)
Chanting multiple times to break the existence of utopia that you believe exists.
Well I've seen it in the distance gratifying in an instant.
Although utopia can't be found near me, I have seen it once and was momentarily pleased.
But a dark cloud is arising to destroy your new horizon.
Unfortunately, it seems a problem or crisis is emerging and it may soon destroy your perceived 'perfect' world.
Now the sunset is upon us and the darkness all around us.
As time has passed, it is apparent that things have become worse and we are surrounded by negativity.
Everything that we all worked for is all buried in the folklore.
The achievements and progress we have made are now almost mythical, as if they never even existed.
Break your utopia. (you know the drill)
Encouragement to continue the chant and work towards breaking the illusion of utopia.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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